(COLORADO SPRINGS) — With the National Weather Service calling for yet another heat advisory, the late summer will surely send most hiding behind our air conditioners. While a welcome reprieve from the soaring temperatures, running your AC unit is most likely going to cause a spike in your electric bill.
With this in mind, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) has a few tips to keep your bills down while keeping your home cool.
Their first recommendations are a few standby classics. With naturally lower temperatures at night, CSU says people should open up their windows either at night or first thing in the morning to let cool night air in and move stale, warm air out.
Next, to go along with that tip, place a portable fan in an open door or window at opposite ends of the house to keep fresh air circulating without running an AC unit.
CSU also reports that setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when you’re away from home or asleep can save around 10% on your energy bill. They also recommend that regular maintenance can quickly lower your bill even further. Something as simple as cleaning up debris around your outside unit and changing a dirty filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 15%.
CSU is also offering a rebate for homeowners upgrading their insulation. While also offering an immediate difference when replacing old insulation, CSU electric and natural gas customers can apply for up to $3,750 in rebates toward future utility bills.
Finally, CSU wants to remind all customers that when demand and usage spike, so do the costs of electricity. A few simple switches away from peak demand times, weekdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., can help lower bills and make it easier on infrastructure.
Do laundry on weekends: On weekdays, customers can also save by starting the washer or dryer in the morning, or after 9 p.m. Skip the dryer altogether and hang clothes to dry.
Small appliances save in the kitchen: Microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers typically use 50% or less electricity than a stove or oven.
Clean dishes, lower cost: Run the dishwasher in the morning, after 9 p.m., or anytime on the weekend.
Power up savings: Charge electric vehicles during off-peak times.
